A comprehensive look ahead to our next Sky Bet Championship opponents
- Southampton vs Huddersfield Town
- Saturday 10 February 2024; 3pm kick-off
- Full preview of what to expect as we face Southampton on Saturday
It was a late equaliser from Ben Jackson at the John Smith's Stadium in November that saw Town claim a point last time out against the Saints.
Unbeaten in 24, Southampton sit second in the table as the promotion-chasing side look to secure their return to the Premier League. Having enjoyed 11 years in the top flight before facing relegation last year, Russell Martin will be looking to build on his side's current formidable form.
Despite not having got the better of the Saints since October 2010, our last league visit to St. Mary's in May 2019 saw Alex Pritchard equalise early in the second half to ensure Town claimed a point on the road.
THE OPPOSITION
Currently sitting in second place in the Sky Bet Championship, a win for the home side on Saturday will see them extend their lead on third place Leeds United as they look to secure automatic promotion.
Enjoying an outstanding run of form in the league to date, Southampton have lost only four fixtures so far this season, seeing them accumulate 61 points thus far to cement their place at the top end of the table.
Following the departure of midfielder Charly Alcaraz and defender Mason Holgate, January saw Bournemouth loanees David Brooks and Joe Rothwell arrive on the south coast - both of whom will be looking to make their mark on the pitch before the end of the Saint's current campaign.
THEIR MANAGER
Since taking the reigns at Milton Keynes in 2019, Russell Martin has enjoyed a rapid rise within his coaching career. Before arriving at St. Mary's, he spent two years in South Wales as Manager of Swansea City whom he led to 10th place during his second season in charge.
Known for instructing his team to control possession and press without the ball, Martin has previously sighted Pep Guardiola as an influence on his coaching style. Winning 88 of the 219 games he's overseen, his sides have lost 75 times and drawn 56 in that time.
LAST TIME OUT
Travelling to South Yorkshire last weekend, the Saints saw off Rotherham United in a 2-0 victory following goals from Jan Bednarek and Adam Armstrong in the first half.
Enjoying 74% possession and 7 shots on target, Martin's side highlighted their determination and decisiveness on the pitch. Having not lost a game since September, Southampton have won fifteen of their fixtures since, drawing only six times otherwise.
FORMATION
Favouring a four man defence, Martin hasn't strayed from the defensive shapes used at the start of his coaching career, but instead adapted his approach to make the tactical switch during his final months with Swansea City. Often opting for a 4-3-3 formation, he has also shifted to a 4-4-2 shape on several occasions this season.
Despite having conceded a significant number of goals at the start of their campaign, Southampton have since dominated in the final third to improve their overall goal difference and cement their place in the top 10 of the second division.
WHO TO WATCH
Kyle Walker-Peters
Initially signing for Southampton on loan, the defender has flown since making the permanent move in 2020. With appearances for England at under age categories, including a 2017 FIFA World U20 World Cup win, Walker-Peters has earned two senior caps for his country to date.
An attacking full-back, the 26-year-old performs well with both feet and is blessed with natural pace, allowing him to create overlaps and overloads in the final third while remaining effective when required defensively.
Adam Armstrong
Finding the back of the net 15 times already, Armstrong is currently the Saints top goalscorer this season, with 11 assists also under his belt - more than any of his fellow teammates.
Coming through at his hometown club Newcastle United, he thrived on loan at Coventry City before also enjoying stints at Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers, and Blackburn Rovers. Having rejoined Rovers permanently in 2018, the striker made the move to Southampton in 2021, and has since hit the ground running at this level.
Will Smallbone
Republic of Ireland international Smallbone has been with the Saints for his entire career, making his debut against Town in the Emirates FA Cup in 2020 and then departing on loan just once to Stoke City across the 2022/23 season.
A reliable central midfielder, he boasts an impressive passing range, is comfortable on the ball, and isn't afraid to make a tackle too. Working perfectly with Martin's possession-focused tactics, Smallbone is also able to drop back when required to boost his side's defence.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Huddersfield Town Interim Manager Jon Worthington spoke to the media yesterday afternoon, Thursday 8 February, ahead of this weekend’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Southampton.
Supporters could watch live on HTTV via YouTube and on our official Twitter/X channel, with defender Brodie Spencer also speaking to the media - listen back to everything they both had to say below.
KIT
Heading to the south coast, the Terriers will be back in their Acid Lime away kit on Saturday.
CLICK HERE to get one of your own from the Club Shop!
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Audio Match Passes for this fixture are available at just £2.50 each, giving supporters unable to join us on the day full live coverage of the game.
While you may be able to book a video match pass abroad, this will not be available in the United Kingdom due to the Saturday 3pm broadcast blackout.
CLICK HERE to find out how to book.
